Sustainable tourism development is a balanced interaction between the correct use of natural and cultural resources, improvement of the quailty of life of local communities and the economic profitability of the activity, all contributing to nacional development. All of this is possible in Costa Rica because of the
Certification For Sustainable Tourism (CST).
The CST brand was developed by the Costa Rican Tourist Board, with the purpose of making the concept of sustainable tourism come trua: sean as the only way to be competitiva in this century. History has taught us that the quality of a destination is strengthened by improving the underlying condition of the visible elements of the industry: hotel service, gastronomy and promotion, as well as security, natural attractions, the environment, local communities, and training, among others.
A global approach should exist so that tourism is healthier and well-balanced, economically, socially and environmentally; opening new possibilities to be well-positioned before its direct instrumenta tourists.
What is the CST about
It's a Program aimed at the classification and certification of tourism companies; according to how much of their operations approaches a modal of sustainability. This is evaluated according to the following aspects:
Physical-biological parameters
Assess the interaction between the company, and the natural surroundings; what matters here is the implementation of sustainable policies and programs, and protection of the environment, among others.
Lodging services and inner logistics
Analyzes the aspects relatad to the interna¡ systems and processes of the company referring to waste management and utilization of technologies for saving electric power and water.
Management of the service-Tour Operator Agencies
Includes the process by which the company designs a tourist product, taking into account externo¡ and interna¡ elements, in agreement to market trends and the country's characteristics, as well as the locations where the product is going to operate.
Customer
The actions taken by the company's management to encourage customers into the practica of implementing sustainable policies are assessed here.
Socio-economical environment
Evaluates the identification and interaction of the firm with nearby communities; analyzes the degree with which tourism companies are sensitiva to regional growth and development, by generation of employment and/ or benefits for the local societies.
Ecotourism and Nature 
